Internally collapsible steering column assembly

ABSTRACT

A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle that includes an inner column tube, a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner column tube and having a longitudinal axis, a top bracket adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, and a telescoping motor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft in a fore or aft direction. A telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is coupled during normal operation to a column housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted to detach from the column housing in the event of an impact exceeding a predetermined first impact load. A plastically deformable energy absorption device is adapted to be carried least partially by the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure and is fixed in place relative to the column housing during normal operation for maintaining the steering column assembly in an operational position. The energy absorption device absorbs energy by plastic deformation during impact after the telescoping motor subassembly starts to translate along the column housing, and wherein during the impact, the column housing remains in a fixed position.

CLAIM OF BENEFIT OF FILING DATE

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Application No. 61/608,711, filed Mar. 9, 2012, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present teachings relate to an improved collapsiblesteering column assembly and methods associated with the same (e.g.,methods of providing energy absorption, such as in a secondary impact).More particularly, though having aspects making it adaptable to externalcollapsing column systems, the present teachings are directed mainly atan internal collapsing tilt and motorized telescopically adjustablesteering column system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of automotive vehicles it has become popular to employsteering column assemblies that include tilt and telescoping functions,such assemblies being known also as “reach and rake steering columnassemblies”. The use of motors to translate a steering wheel relative toa vehicle operator also has seen increased use.

During a vehicle collision, there are commonly two impacts. In a primaryimpact, the vehicle impacts another object. In a secondary impact, avehicle occupant impacts a component of the vehicle. For example, avehicle operator sometimes impacts the steering wheel due to inertia. Inorder to protect drivers from such secondary impacts, it has becomecommon practice to use an impact-absorbing type steering column.

The structure of an impact-absorbing type steering column apparatus issuch that when the driver suffers a secondary impact, the impact energyacts on the steering column in the frontward direction of the vehicle.The steering column may detach from one or more fixation points with thevehicle body and move forward (e.g., in a collapse stroke), so that theimpact energy is absorbed in the course of the collapse stroke. Anexternal collapsing column assembly is an example of a system in whichthe entire column will translate relative to its fixation points. Aninternal collapsing column assembly typically will be fixed at one ormore fixation points near one of the ends of the assembly within thevehicle. During a collapse stroke from a secondary impact, components ofthe assembly will longitudinally collapse (e.g., generally within thevolume it occupies within the vehicle in normal operation; that is,generally within its “footprint” in the vehicle), but generally will notcollapse beyond a certain distance relative to a predetermined fixationpoint. An internal collapsing system thus has a stroke, but will remainfixed to the vehicle at the one or more fixation points.

For many applications, steering column assemblies incorporate both tiltand telescopic functions. For these, it is common to employ motors toperform each function. For example, one motor may be operated to actuatethe steering column assembly generally in an upward or downward verticaldirection to adjust the height of a steering wheel relative to anoperator of the vehicle and thus perform the tilt function. Anothermotor may be operated to actuate the steering column assembly to adjustthe fore/aft position of the steering wheel relative to the vehicleoperator. The latter typically achieves the adjustment by way oftranslation of a telescopic tubing arrangement by which at least onetube associated with the steering wheel translates relative to a shaftfor steering.

For improving upon existing collapsible steering column assemblies (andespecially internal collapsing systems), as compared with typicalexisting systems, it is desired for an acceptable solution to includesome or all advantages as compared with existing assemblies, such asreduced weight, reduced number of components, reduced “footprint”, acollapse stroke of at least about 70 mm (e.g., about 80 to 100 mm ormore), or a structural platform that allows tunability and/orvariability to allow the use of common parts to meet differingperformance specifications for different vehicles, but otherwiserequires minimal hardware substitution.

The following U.S. patent documents may be related to the presentinvention: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,547,221; 5,690,362; 5,961,146, 6,264,239;6,224,104; 5,477,744; 7,322,610; 7,350,816; 6,685,225; 7,410,190; and7,258,365, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes. European application No. EP 1555188A1 also may have teachingsrelated to the present invention and is incorporated by referenceherein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present teachings make use of a simple, yet elegant, constructionapproach by which relatively few components can be employed forachieving an adjustable steering column assembly (and particularly aninternally collapsing assembly) that exhibits good energy absorptioncharacteristics, especially during a secondary impact.

In general, the present teachings make use of a steering columnarrangement in which there is included a housing (typically made ofmetal, such as aluminum, which may be cast) adapted for attaching to astructure (e.g., a cross car beam, instrument panel or both) of anautomotive vehicle. A displaceable inner tube is configured to receive asteering shaft. A telescoping actuator device (which may be a part of atelescoping motor assembly), such as an electric motor, is operativelyattached to the housing and to the inner tube by way of one or moredrive member (e.g., a rod) in a manner that allows the inner tube to beactuated selectively in a fore or aft direction by a vehicle operator.The assembly is also such that it allows the telescoping motor assemblyto break away from its attachment to the housing, in a controlled mannerusing one or more energy absorption device elements, which elements maybe selected on the basis of a particular vehicle application, and may bedesigned for varying or tuning the desired response (e.g., timing ofdetachment and/or plastic deformation during a collapse stroke). Duringa secondary impact event the force of the impact by the vehicle operatoris thus transmitted through by the steering shaft to the inner tube andthe drive member, causing initial disengagement of the telescoping motorassembly. Additional energy from the impact is absorbed by one or moreenergy absorption elements that are situated relative to (e.g.,operatively between) the telescoping motor assembly and the inner tube,the housing or both. The one or more energy absorption device elementsare configured (e.g., as a generally folded and relatively thin stripthat is capable of plastically deforming) and the material selected(e.g., a plain carbon steel, a steel alloyed with one or more othermetals, or some other steel or metal) so that they plastically deform toabsorb impact energy. Such plastic deformation may be deformation in theabsence of elongation; thus it is possible that the strip will be foldedupon itself and be constrained so that it either gets pulled around anedge of a structure (e.g., a flange) or pushed against a wall forcausing the deformation. In this manner, it may be possible to achieve aload and displacement relationship that may include a first stage, inwhich as load increases displacement increases to a peak displacementcorresponding with initial disengagement of the telescoping motorassembly. In a following stage, after a possible energy absorption loaddelay (which delay may be selectively adjusted by the shape, size orother characteristic of the energy absorption device elements), relianceupon the one or more energy absorption device elements occurs as energyfrom the load is primarily absorbed by way of deformation (includingplastic deformation) of the energy absorption device elements.

Without intending to be limited by the following, in one aspect, theteachings herein make use of a unique combination of components defininga steering column assembly. The assembly includes an inner column tube,with a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner columntube and having a longitudinal axis. A top bracket is adapted forreceiving at least a portion of the steering shaft and is also adaptedfor mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle(e.g., by attaching to a cross-vehicle beam, an instrument panelassembly, a combination thereof, or the like). A telescoping motorsubassembly may be employed and desirably will be adapted forselectively driving the steering shaft (e.g., by way of a rod that maybe threaded or have teeth along some or all of its length, or by way ofsome other drive member) in a fore or aft direction. A tilt subassemblymay also be employed and desirably is adapted for selectively raising orlowering the steering shaft (e.g., so that the height position of thesteering wheel relative to a vehicle operator can be adjusted). A columnhousing may be pivotally coupled with the top bracket, and is adapted topermit steering shaft tilt adjustment by way of the tilt subassembly.The column housing is adapted to remain generally fixed in placerelative to the top bracket in the event of a secondary impact. Suringsuch impact, the inner column tube may be adapted to telescopicallytranslate into the column housing.

The system may also include a telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure (e.g., that is coupled during normal operation to the columnhousing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube).For instance, the telescoping motor subassembly may be coupled using amounting structure that is adapted to detach from the column housing(and possibly slide or otherwise translate along an upper surface of thetelescoping motor subassembly along a surface of the column housing(e.g., slide or otherwise translate along a downward facing surfaceproximate the bottom of the column housing)) in the event of an impactexceeding a predetermined first impact load. The system also may includeat least one plastically deformable energy absorption device element(e.g., a bend plate or other device that deforms in a manner thatabsorbs energy) adapted to be carried (e.g., generally matingly ornestingly, in the case of an h-bracket as described) at least partiallywithin or on the mounting structure. The deformable energy absorptiondevice element desirably may be fixed in place to the column housingduring normal operation for maintaining the steering column assembly inan operational position. The energy absorption device element and thetelescoping motor subassembly mounting structure are configured andpositioned in a manner such that in the event of an impact load, afterthe telescoping motor subassembly becomes detached and starts totranslate it is possible that it will remain tethered to the columnhousing, but will nonetheless be displaced from its normal operationalposition and the energy absorption device elements will deformplastically and absorb energy due to the impact load. The energyabsorption device elements may be elongated strips (which may includeelongated slots) that have an initial folded configuration, in which anend of an element bears against a wall, or in which a surface of theelement bears against an edge of a flange or other structure on aconcave side of the folded elements. The plastic deformation may bedeformation that results as the elements are pushed or pulled from theimpact load. As will be appreciated, deformation of the energyabsorption device elements without any significant elongational yield(e.g., below about 20%, 10% or even 5% of the original length) mayresult. Yet there will be plastic deformation as the elements are pulledor pushed and the location of the bend portion along the length of theelements changes.

As will be gleaned from the above and the following, the telescopingmotor subassembly includes a housing adapted to carry a motor and mayinclude an upper portion that includes at least one generally horizontalplanar surface that include notches at a rearward end of the upperportion. The upper portion opposes a lower portion of the columnhousing, which lower portion may also include at least one generallyplanar surface. The energy absorption device element may be carried atleast partially by the telescoping motor subassembly. Upon a secondaryimpact, the telescoping motor subassembly becomes detached initially andthereafter, as it translates along the column housing, energy isabsorbed by plastically deforming the energy absorption device element.The energy may be absorbed as the energy absorption device element ispulled in tension and bent around a structure (e.g., a flange of thelower portion of the column housing). The energy may be absorbed as theenergy absorption device element is subject to a compressive forceagainst a structure (e.g., as an end of the device element bears againsta wall of an h-bracket). As seen, the energy absorption device elementmay be a folded strip, which folds about a bend. The location of thebend along the length of the strip may change as the strip absorbsenergy.

The teachings herein also contemplate methods. For example, theteachings envision a method of managing energy distribution resultingfrom a secondary impact of a vehicle occupant and an automotive vehiclesteering column assembly as described in the above, and as set forthmore specifically in the following teachings.

As can be seen, it is believed that by employment of the teachingsherein it is possible to achieve an effective adjustable steering columnsystem that (particularly as compared with previous systems) employssome or all of a reduced number of parts involved in a collapse stroke,reduced cast parts, and/or reduced tubing. For example, as will be seen,by integrating a tilt bracket and cross car beam mounting bracket into asingle unit (which will remain generally fixed to the cross car beamduring a secondary impact) a relatively smaller footprint can beachieved. It will also be seen that advantageous packaging of the systemcan be achieved by integrating breakaway functionality into thetelescoping motor subassembly. As will be gleaned from the teachingsherein, it is thus possible to realize a unique assembly (and associatedmethods) that enable a steering column assembly to transmit steeringtorque, smoothly rotate, and absorb energy during a secondary impactvehicle collision, while also providing adjustable driving positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a side view of a collapsible steering column assembly of atleast one embodiment of the present teachings and having tilt andtelescopic adjustment features;

FIG. 1 b is a side view of another collapsible steering column assemblyof another embodiment of the present teachings;

FIG. 2 a is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 3 a-3 c are side views of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 ashowing a progression of the system during a collapse stroke from afirst operational position (FIG. 3 a) to a second position occurringduring occurrence of a secondary impact (FIG. 3 b) to a subsequent thirdposition (FIG. 3 c);

FIGS. 4 a-4 c are side views of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 bshowing a progression of the system during a collapse stroke from afirst operational position (FIG. 4 a) to a second position occurringduring occurrence of a secondary impact (FIG. 4 b) to a subsequent thirdposition (FIG. 4 c);

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an assembly of theembodiment of FIGS. 1 b, 2 b and 4 a-4 c; and

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

In general, the teachings herein are directed toward a uniquecombination of components for a collapsible steering column assembly,and more particularly an internally collapsing steering column assemblyfor vehicles that have a motorized telescoping functionality. By use ofthe teachings herein, it is possible to achieve a full collapse strokeof at least about 70 mm, about 80 mm, or even up to at least about 100mm. The assemblies also make possible a reduced weight system ascompared with many other systems in view of the relative simplicity ofdesign. For example, the teachings herein contemplate integratingfunctions of mounting within a vehicle and accommodating tilt of acolumn housing with a single component, thereby reducing the number ofcomponents and also providing an overall reduced “footprint”. Theteachings herein also provide a structural platform that allows the useof common parts to meet differing performance specifications fordifferent vehicles, but otherwise requires minimal hardwaresubstitution. That is, like assemblies can be used across a range ofvehicles, and can be individually tuned (e.g., by selection of anappropriate energy absorption device to meet the unique requirements ofa particular vehicle).

With more attention now to the details of the assemblies herein, theygenerally will include a tube that is operatively connected with asteering wheel, e.g., via a steering shaft. One such tube, referred toherein an inner column tube, typically will have a hollow cavity alongat least a portion of (if not the entirety of) the length of the tubeand may be sized and configured to receive and support a rotatableshaft, namely a steering shaft and possibly one or more bearings. Boththe shaft and the tube will have a longitudinal axis. When installed ina vehicle, the longitudinal axis of each the shaft and the tube may begenerally coaxially aligned, aligned generally parallel with alongitudinal axis of a vehicle, or each. The shaft and the inner tubetypically will be made of a suitable metal, such as steel or aluminum.

A top bracket may be employed for receiving at least a portion of thesteering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within theautomotive vehicle. The top bracket may include a single unitarystructure, or a plurality of components assembled together in anassembly to define a top bracket structure. The top bracket may be acast structure (e.g., structure made by a casting cast), a forgedstructure (e.g., a structure made by forging a metal mass), a machinedstructure, a consolidated structure (e.g., a structure made by a step ofsintering and/or pressing a powder metal mass) or any combinationthereof. One preferred approach is to cast the top bracket to form analuminum alloy casting. The top bracket may be configured forintegrating functions of mounting within a vehicle and accommodating atilt function of the assembly relative to a vehicle operator.

The top bracket may include a plurality of ribs. It may include one ormore openings through which a fastener may be passed for attaching thebracket to the vehicle. It may include one or more projections, such asfor attaching to the vehicle. The top bracket may include an uppersurface, at least a portion of which is adapted to abut against theautomotive vehicle structure to which it is attached. For example, forattaching to a generally flat cross vehicle beam, instrument panel orboth, which is to be disposed above the top bracket, the top bracket mayinclude a generally planar upper surface. Of course, as seen in thedrawings, the generally planar upper surface may include or more wellsat least partially defined by the ribs that are present. The top bracketmay also include a collar portion that projects away from a lowersurface of the top bracket. The collar portion may be defined to includea completely closed or at least partially enclosed structure againstwhich the inner column tube may abut. The top bracket may include one ormore (e.g., a pair of) pivotal connection arms. For example, at leastone pair of arms may be disposed toward a forward end of the topbracket. The arms may include a portion that extends beyond a forwardend of the upper surface. The arms may include one or more openings forreceiving a fastener that penetrates through the arm and into a columnhousing. The top bracket may also include a housing structure, a flangestructure or both for receiving a motorized tilt subassembly, atelescoping motor subassembly, an energy absorption device or anycombination thereof. The collar portion may have an asymmetricstructure, such as that depicted herein as resembling a capital letter“D”, within which one or more components (e.g., a drive member such as arod) of a motorized tilt subassembly are received. It may also be“u”-shaped or otherwise configured.

The teachings contemplate employing at least one telescoping motorsubassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft (by wayof a rod or other drive member) in a fore or aft direction generallyalong the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. The telescoping motorsubassembly may include an electric motor that has a motor shaft thatoperatively drives a drive member (e.g., a rod that is threaded or hasgear teeth over at least a portion of its length). The shaft may drivethe drive member by use of one or more gears. It may drive the drivemember by way of a threaded nut. The motor shaft may have a longitudinalaxis that is oriented generally parallel with the longitudinal axis ofthe steering shaft and/or inner tube. The motor shaft may have alongitudinal axis that is oriented generally transverse with thelongitudinal axis of the steering shaft and/or inner tube. Thetelescoping motor subassembly may be such that it includes a housingwithin which the motor is at least partially located. The housing mayinclude one or more flat surfaces that are adapted to slidingly bearagainst another surface (e.g., a bracket, a flange of the columnhousing, or some other mounting structure), which other surface may bepart of, or be operably connected with the column housing. Such flatsurfaces may be a part of a mounting structure for securing thetelescoping motor subassembly to the overall assembly.

The teachings further contemplate employing at least one tiltsubassembly that is adapted for selectively raising or lowering thesteering shaft. The optional tilt subassembly may be manually actuated,motorized or both. It may be attached (e.g., at a first mount locationalong its length) to the top bracket. For example, as discussed, it maybe incorporated within a housing structure defined in the top bracket.It may be attached at a second location along its length (e.g., at asecond mount location that is distal from the upper surface of the topbracket as compared with the first mount location).

As indicated, a column housing is pivotally coupled with the top bracket(e.g., at a forward end of both the top bracket and the column housing)and is adapted to permit steering shaft adjustment (e.g., tiltadjustment, telescopic adjustment or both, such as by way of the tiltsubassembly, the telescoping motor subassembly, or both). The columnhousing may be a cast structure (e.g., a structure made by a castingcast), a forged structure (e.g., a structure made by forging a metalmass), a machined structure, a consolidated structure (e.g., a structuremade by a step of sintering and/or pressing a powder metal mass) or anycombination thereof. One preferred approach is to cast the columnhousing to form an aluminum alloy casting. The column housing mayinclude one or more ribs. It may include a structure (e.g., along a sideof the housing so that it projects generally radially outward relativeto a longitudinal axis of the housing) onto which an energy absorptiondevice of the teachings herein may be secured, or into which an energyabsorption device of the teachings herein may be positioned. Forexample, the column housing may be generally elongated. It may have asubstantially cylindrical configuration. It may have a lower portionthat has laterally projecting flanges over at least a portion of thecolumn housing length. The flanges may project from both sides of thecolumn housing. The flanges may project laterally outward to a locationthat extends beyond the outermost reach of the wall from which itprojects. The column housing may have one or more openings, e.g., slots,in a lower portion for exposing the inner column tube so that the columntube can be connected with and translate longitudinally with a drivemember (e.g., via a suitable bracket) associated with a telescopingmotor subassembly. Because the column housing is pivotally connected tothe top bracket (e.g., at a forward end of the assembly), in the eventof a secondary collision, the column housing will remain generally fixedin its normal operational position.

The teachings contemplate further employing a telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure that is coupled during normal operationto the column housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the innercolumn tube. The telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure isadapted to detach from the column housing in the event of an impactexceeding a predetermined first impact load. The telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure may be at least partially integrated witha housing for a motor that forms part of the telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure. The telescoping motor subassemblymounting structure may include an upper portion that has one or moreflat surfaces that oppose a bottom surface of the column housing. Forexample, the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure may be atleast partially integrated with the telescoping motor subassembly (e.g.,as part of a motor housing). The telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure may be adapted to slidingly bear against or otherwisetranslate relative to one or more of the laterally projecting flanges ofthe column housing after an initial breakaway load has been experienced.The telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure may be adapted toconnect with an energy absorption device element and cause the elementto plastically deform following an initial breakaway.

By way of illustration, the telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure may be employed with one or more bolts for securing thetelescoping motor subassembly relative to the column housing. One ormore coating plates may be placed on the mounting structure for allowingrelease of the mounting structure from the column housing.

The telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure may be such that itcan define a pocket into which an energy absorption device element isreceived. For instance, it may have a pair of opposing spaced apartwalls that are connected (which connection may be integrally formed) atan end of at least one of the walls or along the length of one of thewalls, to define an opening. The telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure thus may have a shape of a lower case letter “h”. It may havea shape of the letter “u” or “c”. As seen, the bracket may include astructure that effectively defines a pair of opposing spaced walls eachhaving at least one free end that may be joined at an apex to define thepocket into which at least one plastically deformable energy absorptiondevice element may be inserted. The mounting structure may have a slotor other opening through which an energy absorption device element ispassed (e.g., an opening leading from a location outside an h-bracket toa location within the pocket of the h-bracket), such that part of thedevice element is located within the bracket and part is located outsidethe bracket. The telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure mayinclude a one or more flanges that bear against the column housing. Thetelescoping motor subassembly mounting structure may include one or moreretention members, such as a hollow member that is configured toslidingly receive an energy absorption device element but which may abutagainst a wall of a flange of the column housing to help limitlongitudinal and/or lateral motion of the energy absorption deviceelement during deformation.

The telescoping motor sub-assembly operates to translate the steeringwheel in a fore or aft direction relative to a vehicle operator. It willemploy a suitable drive member, such as a rod, that may be operativelyconnected the steering shaft, such as by connecting with the innercolumn tube. For example, a suitable bracket may connect the drivemember to the inner column tube. The column housing may have one or moreslots or other cut-outs that receive the bracket (e.g., a longitudinalslot in a bottom portion of the column housing may expose the innercolumn tube). The drive member may be elongated. For example, it may bea rod. It may have threads. It may have teeth. It may have some otherstructure for meshingly engaging a gear or other drive mechanismassociated with the motor of the telescoping motor sub-assembly. Thedrive member may include a suitable mechanism for limiting the amount oflongitudinal travel. For example, it may include an internally threadednut that is threadedly and adjustably mounted on a threaded portion ofthe drive member (e.g., a drive rod) that provides an adjustable stop tolimit linear movement of the member.

When installed into the overall assembly of the present teachings, thetelescoping motor sub-assembly may include suitable structure forattaching to an energy absorption device, a bracket for the energyabsorption device, a column housing or any combination thereof. Thetelescoping motor sub-assembly may have a housing structure thatincludes a pair of opposing spaced walls, at least one of the opposingspaced walls will be adapted to releasably attach to the column housing.This may be done by providing a structure at an end of a wall of thetelescoping motor subassembly mounting structure that allows for it todetach from the column housing after a predefined load has beenobtained. For example, the structure may have include two or more tineswith a notch defined between the tines. The tines are such that theyflank a fastener upon installation (e.g., the fastener may be positionedwithin a notch that has generally opposing projections), with the tinesfacing in a rearward direction. An opening is thus defined in thehousing of the telescoping motor sub-assembly which allows it to breakfree from the fastener in the event an impact exceeding a predefinedload is experienced. The bracket may include a portion that cooperateswith one or more other structural elements (e.g., a structure selectedto have a predetermined coefficient of friction that is relatively lowas compared with adjoining materials, (such as one or more coatingplates (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,816 (FIG. 1B and associateddiscussion))) for allowing a detachment of the bracket from the columnhousing after the predefined load is realized. Other approaches may beemployed as well. For example, instead of tines, a thinned section or asection otherwise configured to rupture upon exposure to the predefinedload may be employed. Structures such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.7,410,190 (incorporated by reference) may be employed (see, e.g.,Examples 1 and 7).

The teachings also envision employing at least one plasticallydeformable energy absorption device element (e.g., a bend plate) adaptedto be housed (e.g., nestingly, matingly or otherwise) at least partiallywithin the telescoping motor subassembly, or carried at least partiallyon the telescoping motor subassembly and being fixed in place to thecolumn housing during normal operation for maintaining the steeringcolumn assembly in an operational position. The energy absorption devicemay have one free end and an attachment portion spaced from the free endthat is fixed in place (e.g., attached to the assembly herein in amanner that prevents its removal without destruction of the energyabsorption device, without deliberately removing any fastener or otherdevice that attaches the attachment portion to the assembly, or both).For example, the energy absorption device may be such that theattachment portion is located at an opposite end from the free end. Theenergy absorption device may be an elongated metallic member. The energyabsorption device may have at least one relative flat surface. Theenergy absorption device may have opposing generally flat surfaces. Theenergy absorption device may be a metallic strip. Optionally the stripmay have an elongated slot along at least a portion of its length. Forexample, a slot may be employed to receive a fastener, a tang or someother structure for securing the strip in the assembly. The strip mayhave a free end that is closed. As seen, the strip may be a foldedplastically deformable energy absorption strip having a first downwarddisposed bend portion, a first elongated portion that is generallyparallel with the column housing flange and disposed below it, a secondbend portion that folds the strip around the rearward facing end of thecolumn housing flange and a second elongated portion that is generallyparallel with the first elongated portion and disposed about the columnhousing flange.

The energy absorption device may be dimensioned to be wider incross-section than it is tall (e.g., it may have a ratio of width tothickness of at least about 1.5, 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1, 30:1 or higher).The energy absorption device element may have a generally continuousshape and/or cross-sectional profile along its length. The energyabsorption device element may have a varying shape and/orcross-sectional profile along its length. It may have a bulbous freeend. The energy absorption device element may include a portion thatincludes or adjoins the free end that has a generally continuous shapeand/or cross-sectional profile along a major portion of its length(e.g., greater than 50%, 65%, 80% or higher) and an attachment endportion that differs in shape from the generally continuous shape and/orcross-sectional profile portion. The energy absorption device elementmay have a thickness that ranges from about 0.8 mm to 3 mm. The energyabsorption device may be made of a steel (e.g., a plain carbon steel(such as SAE 1008, 1010 or otherwise), an alloy of steel that includes ametal in addition to iron, or otherwise).

In one aspect, the energy absorption device element may be such that itwill be disposed within or carried on at least a portion of thetelescoping motor subassembly. For example, it may be such that it foldsover and bears against a bearing end of an h-bracket or like structure.It may be such that it is otherwise secured to an upper surface of thetelescoping motor subassembly. For example, it may have an end that isfolded to be received in a slot of the telescoping motor subassembly.During a secondary impact, upon attainment of a predefined load, theenergy absorption device element may initially translate, elasticallydeform, and after a predefined load has been reached will begin plasticdeformation (e.g., under a compressive force or a tensile force). Suchplastic deformation is envisioned to contribute substantially toabsorption of energy from the secondary impact. The energy absorptiondevice element may be fastened at one or more locations along its lengthto another structure with the assembly (e.g., to the inner column tube,to the column housing, to the telescope motor subassembly, orotherwise).

Examples of suitable devices that can be employed for an energyabsorption device include those as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,221,incorporated by reference (see e.g., FIGS. 1-8 and associateddiscussion); U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,610 incorporated by reference (seee.g., FIGS. 3 and 5 and associated discussion).

The teachings herein also contemplate methods of making and/orinstalling the assemblies described. Thus, the elements as described maybe assembled in a manner to achieve the described assembly. Theteachings envision providing an assembly as described herein forinstallation into an automotive vehicle. For example, the teachingsinclude attaching the top bracket to a cross-vehicle beam, to aninstrument panel or both. Such attaching may be for positioning thedescribed top bracket above or below the cross-vehicle beam and/or theinstrument panel. The teachings envision providing for installation intoan automotive vehicle (e.g., by attaching to a cross-vehicle beam, aninstrument panel or both) an assembly in accordance with the presentteachings.

The teachings also contemplate the methods that occur in operation ofthe assemblies described. For example, the teachings envision providingan assembly including a plastically deformable energy absorption deviceadapted to be housed at least partially within the telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure (e.g., within an “h” shaped bracket) andbeing fixed in place to the column housing during normal operation formaintaining the steering column assembly in an operational position. Inthe event of an impact load to the steering shaft exceeding apredetermined impact load, the energy absorption device will yieldplastically and absorb energy due to the impact load, with thetelescoping motor subassembly remaining connected with the columnhousing.

Referring now to the drawing figures. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples ofthe structure and operation of an electric reach and rake steeringcolumn assembly for a vehicle in accordance with the present teachings.The assembly has a tilt adjustment feature and a telescopic adjustmentfeature. As to each such feature, there are associated motors. However,it is possible that one of the motors may be omitted (e.g., it ispossible that the tilt adjustment is achieved manually without a motor).

The assembly is designed to help absorb energy during a collision, andin a secondary impact situation, when a driver impacts a steering wheelmounted on steering shaft of the assembly. In the following discussion,illustrative embodiments are described. One embodiment is shown in FIGS.1 a, 2 a, and 3 a-3 c. Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 b, 2 b and4 a-4 c.

Referring first to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 a, 2 a, and 3 a-3 c, thereis shown a steering wheel 20 mounted to a steering shaft 1. The assemblyalso includes an inner column tube 3 in which the steering shaft 1 isrotatably supported, such as by a bearing 2. In turn, the inner columntube 3 is mounted for linear telescopic movement within a column housing(e.g., a cast aluminum housing), generally indicated at 13, to providethe telescopic adjustment. The steering shaft 1 is coupled to a solidshaft 14 within the column housing 13 to rotate therein. A key lockcollar 15 is mounted at one end of the shaft 14. A bearing 16 is alsomounted on the shaft 14 to rotatably support the shaft 14 within thecolumn housing 13.

The column housing 13 is pivotally supported by a top bracket 6 which isfixed to the vehicle at a top surface of the bracket 6. The housing 13is held between spaced steel spacers 5 mounted on a u-shaped part (e.g.,a collar) of the bracket 6. The column housing 13 is pivotally connectedto the top bracket 6 at a fixed pivot location 22 on the housing 13 tohelp provide the tilt adjustment. The tilt adjustment is motorized by atilt motor and gearing subassembly, generally indicated at 17, indriving engagement with a tilt nut and gear subassembly 4 mounted on thetop bracket 6.

The assembly also includes a telescopic motor and gearing subassembly,generally indicated at 11, which is supported on the column housing 13by a pair of mounting subassemblies, generally indicated at 26,including hollow, h-shaped brackets 30. Each of the brackets 30 has anupper, rear-facing, open notch 27 and a pocket 28 for receiving andretaining a curved or bent bend plate 10. Each bend plate 10 providestunable energy absorption. In other words, depending on the size, shapeand material composition of the bend plates 10, the energy absorptioncharacteristics of the bend plates 10 can be varied or adjusted.

Bolts 8 of the mounting subassemblies 26 extend through respectiveapertured end portions 24 of the bend plates 10. Each bolt 8 alsoextends through each notch 27 of each bracket 30 and through inner andouter coating plates 7 b and 7 a, respectively, to releasably secure themotor and gearing subassembly 11 to lower surfaces of integral bracketparts 38 (e.g., laterally projecting flanges) of the column housing 13.The coating plates 7 a and 7 b may comprise or be covered by a lowfriction material and are interposed between the top and bottom surfacesof the brackets 30, the outer surface of the bracket parts 38 (e.g.,laterally projecting flanges) of the column housing 13 and the heads ofthe bolts 8 to reduce the friction between each of the surfaces whichthey contact. The amount of torque in securing the bolts 8 to thebracket parts 38 is variable to provide a “tunable” breakaway.Alternatively, the coating plates may be replaced with other breakawaymechanisms such as aluminum capsules retained by plastic shear pins.

The assembly further includes a drive member (e.g., a threaded rod)having a longitudinal axis, generally indicated at 12, in drivingengagement with the telescopic motor and gearing subassembly 11 tolinearly move the drive member (e.g., rod) 12 in a fore or aft directiongenerally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 1. Asdepicted, the drive member (e.g., rod) 12 may include (e.g., at or nearone end) a threaded portion 32 which extends through a rotatable nut(not shown) of the subassembly 11. At another location along its length,the drive member may include an aperture or other suitable structure.When the nut of the subassembly rotates about the longitudinal axis ofthe drive member (e.g., rod) 12, the drive member linearly moves alongits longitudinal axis to alternately push or pull the steering wheel ina fore or aft direction, such as by way of a telescopic bolt subassembly9 secured at the opposite end of the drive member (e.g., rod) 12. A boltof the subassembly 9 extends through a hole formed through a flattenedportion 36 of the rod 12 opposite the threaded portion 32. In turn, thebolt of the subassembly 9 extends through an elongated slot (not shown)formed through the column housing 13 to fixedly secure the rod 12 to theinner column tube 3 to allow the telescopic motor and gearingsubassembly 11 to adjust the linear position of the inner column tube 3relative to the column housing 13. An internally threaded nut 34 mayalso be employed to threadedly and adjustably mount on the threadedportion 32 of the drive member (e.g., rod) 12 for providing anadjustable stop to limit linear movement of the drive member (e.g. rod)12.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 a, 2 a, and 3 a-3 c, during a collision, theforce of the driver's impact is transmitted through the collapsingsteering wheel 20, through the steering shaft 1, to the collapsing innercolumn tube 3 which slides or telescopes into the housing 13 therebycausing the rod 12 to collapse or move the motor and gearing subassembly11 thereby disengaging the subassembly 11 from the housing 13 via theadjustable breakaway mechanism as described above at the brackets 30. Ifrequired, after breakaway, but before energy absorption, an adjustableload delay may be provided by a variable gap between each bend plate 10and its corresponding h-shaped bracket 30 during assembly of the system10. After initial breakaway, the bend plates 10 do not function untilthey engage with their respective h-shaped brackets 30. The transmitteddriver's impact is then absorbed by bending movement of the plates 10within their respective pockets 28.

Referring next to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 b, 2 b, 4 a-4 c, 5 and 6,there is shown another embodiment within the present teachings. Asteering wheel 120 is mounted to a steering shaft 101. The assembly alsoincludes an inner column tube 103 in which the steering shaft 101 isrotatably supported by a bearing 102. In turn, the inner column tube 103is mounted for linear telescopic movement within a housing (e.g., analuminum casting housing), generally indicated at 113, to provide thetelescopic adjustment. The steering shaft 101 is coupled to a solidshaft 114 within the housing 113 to rotate therein. As with the previousembodiment a key lock collar 115 may be mounted at one end of the shaft,and a bearing 116 may also be mounted on the shaft 114 to rotatablysupport the shaft within the housing 113. One or more spacer rings 118may be employed along the length of the assembly for retaining rotatablecomponents spaced apart from a wall in which the component resides.

The housing 113 is pivotally supported by a top bracket 106 (depicted inFIG. 2 b as having an asymmetrical structure). The top bracket isdepicted to have a top surface 119 (shown as having ribs), and a pair ofspaced arms 121. One or more sidewalls 123 may depend downwardly fromthe bracket, and include apertures 125 or other suitable structures formounting a component to it. The top bracket is fixed to the vehicle atthe top surface 119 of the top bracket 106. The column housing 113 willpenetrate through an elongated collar portion 127 that is sized withinits interior to be larger than the corresponding outer portion of thecolumn housing 113, so that the inner column housing can move up anddown within the collar. Though not shown, lateral movement of the columnhousing within the collar may be restricted by a suitable spacerarrangement, as previously described. As seen, the collar may have anasymmetrical shape in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis ofthe steering shaft. For example, the collar may be configured to receivecomponents on one side of a longitudinal axis of the assembly that arepart of a tilt motor and gearing subassembly. The column housing 113 ispivotally connected to the top bracket 106 at a fixed pivot location 122on the column housing 113 to help provide the tilt adjustment. The tiltadjustment is motorized by a tilt motor and gearing subassembly,generally indicated at 117, in driving engagement (e.g., with a tilt nutand gear subassembly 104 mounted on the top bracket 106).

The assembly also includes a telescopic motor and gearing subassembly,generally indicated at 111, which is supported on the housing 113 by apair of mounting subassemblies, generally indicated at 126. The mountingsubassemblies may be part of a housing for a motor of the telescopicmotor and gearing assembly; for instance, the housing is shown as havinglaterally extending wing portions, which are located on an upper part ofthe housing, and which include a notch 129 at a rearward facing end. Itmay also include a slot for receiving a portion (e.g., a bent endportion) of an energy absorption device element. As will be seen, afastener (e.g., a bolt shown in combination with coating plates) can beemployed to attach the mounting subassemblies to the column housing withone or more coating plates therebetween. By positioning the fastenerwithin the notch, and applying suitable torque to the fastener, thenotch allows for breakaway for the telescopic motor and gearingsubassembly after a predefined load has been experienced in a secondarycollision.

As with the previous embodiment, a plastically deformable energyabsorption device such as a curved or bent bend plate 110 is shown. Incontrast with the previous embodiment, in which the energy absorptiondevice element (e.g., bend plate) is deformed under a compressive force(e.g., applied at an end of the device element), in this embodiment, theenergy absorption device (e.g., bend plate) is deformed under a tensileforce. In the present illustration the energy absorption device is afolded strip in its normal installed state. The strip has a first endportion that is fixed in place to the assembly (e.g., to the innercolumn tube via a fastener 136 and bracket 139), and will remain fixedin place during a stroke occasioned by a secondary impact. As seen inFIG. 2 b, fixation is achieved by forming a downward bend in the strip.The downward bend is connected to one of the mounting subassemblies 126,in a manner that is sufficiently secure that it will remain connectedduring a secondary impact. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, an end 110 bmay be retained within a slot 145 of a mounting structure. The stripfolds over upon itself in its normal installed position, and has a freeend 110 a. The strip may also be adapted to bear against the columnhousing, such as along a bracket structure (e.g., a lateral flange 138)of the column housing (e.g., at an end of the lateral flange). Asuitable retention guide structure 131 or other like structure maysubstantially circumscribe the perimeter of the energy absorptiondevice. The retention guide structure may be configured and positionedso that it will bear against a generally vertical wall 139 that projectsaway (e.g., downwardly) from the lateral flange 138. The retention guidestructure may be elongated and hollow, and will be configured toconstrain the energy absorption device so that the absorption devicebears against the lateral flange during an impact. The retention guidestructure may be a separable plastic device that is clipped or otherwisemounted to the column housing. For example, it may be clipped into anopening formed in the lateral flange 138. During impact, the energyabsorption device can thus be pulled around the flange of the columnhousing (e.g., at a rearward facing end of the flange), while beingretained relative to the column housing by the retention guidestructure.

The material for the retention guide structure may be selected to applya predetermined amount of friction. It may be a suitable plastic. It mayalso be configured to provide a stop that prevents further travel of thestrip as the free end of the strip contacts it.

Bolts 108 of the mounting subassemblies 126 may extend throughrespective apertured end portions of the energy absorption device (e.g.,bend plates 110). Each bolt 108 may also extend through each notch 129and through inner and outer coating plates 107 b and 107 a,respectively, to releasably secure the telescopic motor and gearingsubassembly 111 to lower surfaces of integral bracket parts 138 of thehousing 113. The coating plates 107 a and 107 b may comprise or becovered by a low friction material and be interposed between themounting subassemblies 126, and the housing 113. The amount of torque insecuring the bolts 108 to the flange 138 is variable to provide a“tunable” breakaway. Alternatively, the coating plates may be replacedwith other breakaway mechanisms such as aluminum capsules retained byplastic shear pins. In FIG. 5, the bend plate is shown to have anelongated slot 110 c. An end 110 b of the bend plate 110 may penetratean opening 145 in the mounting subassembly 126, and abut against thesubassembly when a tensile force is applied.

The assembly further includes a threaded telescope drive member (e.g., arod) having a longitudinal axis, generally indicated at 112, in drivingengagement with the telescopic motor and gearing subassembly 111 tolinearly move the drive member (e.g., rod) 112. The drive member, inturn, is connected with the inner column tube, such as by way of abracket 141. Driving may be achieved by way of a threaded nut 143 (e.g.,a nut overmolded with a plastic gear that engages a motor shaft). SeeFIG. 6. As shown, the motor has a shaft that engages the nut 143 and thenut engages telescope drive member in a direction generally transverseto the longitudinal axis of the telescope drive member.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 b, 2 b, and 4 a-4 c, during a collision, theforce of the driver's impact is transmitted through the collapsingsteering wheel 120, through the steering shaft 101, to the collapsinginner column tube 103 which slides or telescopes into the housing 113thereby causing the drive member (e.g., rod 112) to collapse or move themotor and gearing subassembly 111 thereby disengaging the subassembly111 from the housing 113 via the adjustable breakaway mechanism asdescribed above at the brackets 141.

If required, after breakaway, but before energy absorption by the energyabsorption device elements (e.g., bend plate), an adjustable load delaymay be provided by setting a suitable gap between the energy absorptiondevice elements (e.g., bend plate) and the structure against which it isto be deformed. Otherwise, after initial breakaway, the energyabsorption device elements will plastically deform and thereby absorbenergy from the impact.

As seen in FIGS. 3 a-3 c and 4 a-4 c, the energy absorption deviceelement may be a folded strip, which folds about a bend, and wherein thelocation of the bend along the length of the strip changes as the stripabsorbs energy.

As seen from the above, collapse of a steering column assembly ispossible without reliance upon friction as the primary mode of energyabsorption. Rather, the teachings herein rely primarily upon plasticdeformation for absorbing energy from secondary impact. It is thuspossible that reliance upon friction may be at most incidental, ascompared with reliance upon plastic deformation. Energy absorption maybe essentially free of reliance upon friction. Collapse of a steeringcolumn assembly is possible without reliance upon wires as a form of anenergy absorption device. The energy absorption device may be astructure that is not a wire. Further, though energy absorption is as aresult of plastic deformation of the energy absorption devices describedherein, such plastic deformation may be deformation that occurs withoutany permanent elongation of the energy absorption device.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention. By way ofexample, without limitation, orientations of components of the FIG. 1 aembodiment may be employed in the FIG. 1 b embodiment and vice versa.Rib structures shown in one embodiment may be adapted and used where notshown in another embodiment. Threads or splines shown may be substitutedwith another structure for causing an interference fit, a friction fit,or both.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, oreven consisting of, the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

Relative positional relationships of elements depicted in the drawingsare part of the teachings herein, even if not verbally described.

What is claimed is:
 1. An internally collapsing steering column assemblyfor an automotive vehicle comprising: a. an inner column tube; b. asteering shaft supported for rotation at least in part by the innercolumn tube and having a longitudinal axis, c. a top bracket adapted forreceiving at least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting thesteering column assembly within the automotive vehicle; d. a telescopingmotor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft ina fore or aft direction generally along the longitudinal axis; e. a tiltsubassembly that is adapted for selectively raising or lowering thesteering shaft; f. a column housing that is pivotally coupled with thetop bracket and is adapted to permit steering shaft tilt adjustment byway of the tilt subassembly; g. a telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure that is operatively coupled during normal operation to thecolumn housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner columntube, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure isadapted to detach from the column housing and translate along the columnhousing in an event of an impact exceeding a predetermined load; and h.a plastically deformable energy absorption device adapted to be carriedat least partially by the telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure and being fixed in place relative to the column housing duringnormal operation for maintaining the steering column assembly in anoperational position, wherein the energy absorption device absorbsenergy by plastic deformation during impact after the telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure starts to translate along the columnhousing, and wherein during the impact, the column housing remains in agenerally fixed position and energy is absorbed through the telescopingmotor subassembly; wherein the steering column assembly is an internallycollapsing steering column assembly wherein the inner column tubetelescopically translates into the column housing during the impact; andwherein the column housing is pivotally coupled with the top bracket attheir respective forward ends by a pivotal connection with downwarddepending arms of the top bracket, and wherein the top bracket includesa collar at a rearward end within which the column housing, the innercolumn tube or both are positioned.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is at leastpartially integrated with the telescoping motor subassembly and isconfigured to include a generally planar first portion having a firstend a second end, a second portion that includes a free end, where thesecond portion attaches to the generally planar first portion, and apocket that is defined between the first end and the free end and thatreceives the energy absorption device.
 3. The assembly of claim 2,wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure includes astructure that is generally shaped as a lower case letter h.
 4. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly adaptedfor selectively driving the steering shaft in a fore or aft directiongenerally along the longitudinal axis includes an elongated drive memberhaving a longitudinal axis.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein theelongated drive member is a rod.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein thetelescoping motor subassembly includes a motor having an output shaftthat is oriented generally transverse relative to the longitudinal axisof the elongated drive member.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein theenergy absorption device is a metal strip.
 8. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the column housing, the top bracket or both are cast aluminumstructures.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure includes a rearward facing portion thatincludes a plurality of tines that flank a notch and that engage acoating plate in normal operation, and during an impact exceeding apredetermined first impact load becomes dislodged from the coatingplate.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the energy absorption deviceis configured to yield from tension from a second impact load.
 11. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly has a collapse stroke of atleast about 70 mm.
 12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the collaraccommodates upward and downward translation of the column housing, theinner column tube or both.
 13. An internally collapsing steering columnassembly for an automotive vehicle comprising: a. an inner column tube;b. a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner column tubeand having a longitudinal axis, c. a top bracket adapted for receivingat least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steeringcolumn assembly within the automotive vehicle, the top bracket includinga pair of spaced apart arms at a forward end and a collar at a rearwardend; d. a telescoping motor subassembly adapted for selectively drivingthe steering shaft in a fore or aft direction generally along thelongitudinal axis; e. a motorized tilt subassembly that is adapted forselectively raising or lowering the steering shaft, and being housed atleast partially within the collar; f. a column housing having a forwardend and a rearward end, the column housing being pivotally coupled withthe pair of spaced apart arms of the top bracket at the forward end ofthe column housing, and being adapted to permit steering shaft tiltadjustment by way of the tilt subassembly, the column housing includinga laterally projecting flange having a rearward facing end, on each sideof the column housing; g. a telescoping motor subassembly mountingstructure that is coupled during normal operation to the column housing,the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein thetelescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted so that thetelescoping motor subassembly detaches from the column housing andtranslates along the an opposing surface of the column housing in anevent of an impact exceeding a predetermined load; and h. a foldedplastically deformable energy absorption strip adapted to be disposed atleast partially on the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structureand being fixed in place to the column housing by being folded over therearward facing end of the laterally projecting flange of the columnhousing during normal operation for maintaining the steering columnassembly in an operational position, wherein the energy absorption stripabsorbs energy by plastic deformation caused by tension during theimpact, such that the energy absorption strip is pulled around therearward facing end of the laterally projecting flange of the columnhousing after the telescoping motor subassembly starts to translatealong the column housing, and wherein during the impact, the columnhousing remains in a generally fixed position and the inner column tubetelescopically translates into the column housing.
 14. The assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structureincludes a pair of flat surfaces on an upper portion of the telescopingmotor subassembly, each flat surface of the pair having a rearward endwith a notch defined therein, and a structure for receiving an end of arespective energy absorption strip, and wherein each upper portion isheld in place relative to the column housing during normal operation byway of a coating plate.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein eachenergy absorption strip is held in place relative to the laterallyprojecting flange of the column housing by a retention guide structurethat is secured to the laterally projecting flange.
 16. An internallycollapsing steering column assembly for an automotive vehiclecomprising: a. an inner column tube; b. a steering shaft supported atleast in part by the inner column tube and having a longitudinal axis,c. a top bracket adapted for receiving at least a portion of thesteering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within theautomotive vehicle, the top bracket including a pair of spaced apartarms at a forward end and a collar at a rearward end; d. a telescopingmotor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft ina fore or aft direction generally along the longitudinal axis; e. amotorized tilt subassembly that is adapted for selectively raising orlowering the steering shaft, and being housed at least partially withinthe collar; f. a column housing having a forward end and a rearward end,the column housing being pivotally coupled with the pair of spaced apartarms of the top bracket at the forward end of the column housing, andbeing adapted to permit steering shaft tilt adjustment by way of themotorized tilt subassembly, the column housing including a laterallyprojecting flange having a rearward facing end, on each side of thecolumn housing; g. a telescoping motor subassembly mounting structurethat is coupled during normal operation to the column housing, thetelescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein thetelescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted so that thetelescoping motor subassembly detaches from the column housing andtranslates along an opposing surface of the column housing in an eventof an impact exceeding a predetermined load, and wherein the telescopingmotor subassembly mounting structure includes coating plates thatprovide a relatively low friction surface and allow the telescopingmotor subassembly to detach from its normal operational position; and h.a folded plastically deformable energy absorption strip having a firstdownward disposed bend portion, a first elongated portion that isgenerally parallel with the laterally projecting flange of the columnhousing and disposed below it, a second bend portion that folds theenergy absorption strip around the rearward facing end of the columnhousing flange and a second elongated portion that is generally parallelwith the first elongated portion and disposed about the laterallyprojecting flange of the column housing, the energy absorption stripbeing adapted to be disposed at least partially on the telescoping motorsubassembly mounting structure and being fixed in place to the columnhousing during normal operation for maintaining the steering columnassembly in an operational position, wherein the energy absorption stripabsorbs energy by plastic deformation caused by tension during impact,such that the energy absorption strip is pulled around the rearwardfacing end of the laterally projecting flange of the column housingafter the telescoping motor subassembly starts to translate along thecolumn housing, and wherein during the impact, the column housingremains in a generally fixed position and the inner column tubetelescopically translates into the column housing.